SLIDELL, La. — A two-month-old baby and her family got to meet the Acadian Ambulance paramedics and a dispatcher who helped save her life.
The morning after Sophia Smith was born, she had difficulty breathing before she stopped breathing altogether. Dispatcher Angie Vidrine answered the 911 call and guided the family while the Slidell Fire Department arrived on scene and began supplying oxygen. Sophia remained in critical condition and was on the verge of cardiac arrest, Acadian Ambulance posted on their Facebook page.
Paramedic Kevin Thomas and EMTs Nick Helmken and John Richter transferred Sophia to a hospital. Six hours later, she was transported to NICU at a hospital in New Orleans, where she stayed for 61 days.
Sophia made a full recovery and is back home with her family. Her parents thanked Acadian paramedics and the Slidell Fire Department for playing an integral part in her survival.
Sophia’s parents gave the responders T-shirts that they made and a plaque to the crew for giving Sophia a fighting chance.
“The afternoon was an emotional one and serves as a reminder of the lasting impact first responders have, not only on patients, but on family members,” the Facebook post said.